Here is a shocking truth- deficiency of fiber is to a great extent responsible for the present US obesity epidemic. So, the inclusion of dietary fiber in your diet has become even more vital. Let us know about the health benefits of fiber.
Fiber is the indigestible part of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Soluble fiber slows down the digestion in the stomach and small intestine. As a result, the conversion of other carbohydrates into glucose is slowed down. This stabilizes the blood glucose levels. By slowing down the digestive process in the stomach, the soluble fibers are actually helping the nutrients to spend more time in the digestive zone of your body. Hence, this increases the uptake of minerals and other nutrients in food.

It is also learned that soluble fiber can reduce blood cholesterol levels. To do this, the fiber binds with bile acids and cholesterol in the digestive tract and prevents them from being absorbed by the body.

Fiber is highly recommended by most of the weight loss dietary plans. This is because fiber food can actually impair the ability of the body to absorb sugars and fats. This also keeps the insulin low and allows the fat burning process to continue. Fiber in food absorbs water causing them to swell. As a result, you feel as if your stomach is full. This way, fiber also acts as an appetizer depressant.

This benefit of fibers is really looked upon by the diabetics- Fiber helps reduce blood sugar swings. Fiber gives a nice, long, steady release of sugar into the bloodstream, reducing hunger pangs, headaches, and fatigue produced by rapid drops in blood sugar.

Fiber also helps reduce the amount of insulin released by the pancreas by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose entering the bloodstream.

What’s more? Whole grains and cereal fiber can lower the risk of heart disease by 30%!

So include dietary fiber in your food, reduce the chances of being overweight and keep a check on the blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in your blood.

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 25th, 2008 at 1:33 pm and is filed under Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.